Friday, August 19, 2011

This week marks one year in Korea. I feel like this sort of momentous occasion demands a blog post (which I haven't really been updating lately) but I'm having a hard time coming up with something to write about. Yes, I've been in Korea for a year but what does that mean, other than a marking of the passage of time? What have I learned, if anything?

The biggest change for me lately hasn't been personal but technological. In the space of about two weeks I got not only an iPhone but an iPad. I'm actually writing this on my iPad right now. Although I have a wireless keyboard for this purpose I though I'd try writing on the screen to see how it goes. It's surprisingly not that bad. My two-finger typing style is well-suited to this hybrid texting style of writing. So far the hardest part is remembering where all the punctuation is, as most of it is hidden in a sub-keyboard under the qwerty keyboard.

But what does this have to do with Korea? Not much, other than the fact that it's my job in Korea that has allowed me these technological luxuries. I suppose this is the biggest achievement of the year: that I finally have the kind of extra income that allows me these fun toys. Of course, I still have debt but thanks to a nice year-end bonus coming my way I will soon be putting a big hole in that.

With one year ending, it's also time to think about the year that is beginning. This will likely be my last year in Korea. Japan and graduate school beckon. I want to make the most of this year. If I don't start planning trips now I know that soon the cool fall will give way to a freezing winter and I will sit in my apartment for 6 months. Likewise for spring next year. I will be pouring over my travel books in the next few months.

I would also like to improve my proficiency in Korean but at the same time I'm going to need to start refreshing my Japanese. Is there room in my life for both? We shall see.

So, one year in Korea and not much to report, other than new toys. Looks like I'm badly in need of a mystical and wonderful experience. It's waiting out there for me. OK, here I come.